Transport Canada ADs: A220 Safety Concerns
Transport Canada has issued two new Airworthiness Directives (ADs) that affect Airbus A220-100s and A220-300s, mandating a detailed inspection and service of their overhead compartments and titanium fasteners. The directives come after Airbus Canada discovered during final assembly line rework that some fasteners had been incorrectly installed at the outer wing box. According to Transport Canada, this error could lead to a reduction in joint strength and may potentially cause damage to or loss of a principal or fatigue-critical structure. More significantly, there is a risk that a fastener failure could result in a fuel leak if the fastener falls free from the joint. The AD requires airlines to take corrective measures within 500 flight cycles from the effective date, which is March 10, 2025, or before the aircraft accumulates 10,000 flight cycles, whichever comes first.
In addition to the directive addressing fasteners, Transport Canada has issued another AD focusing on the overhead compartments in the A220 cabin. During routine reviews, the aviation authority identified that some of the tie rods supporting the overhead stowage compartments did not exhibit sufficient thread engagement of the turnbuckle into the tie rod. This deficiency is of concern because the affected tie rods play a crucial role in supporting the overhead compartments during an emergency landing. Should the tie rods become disengaged, there is a potential for the overhead compartments to shift or collapse, posing a serious risk to the safety of passengers by impacting them during an emergency situation. To mitigate this risk, the AD mandates that airlines inspect the overhead compartments for any deficiencies and adjust the tie rod engagement if necessary. This directive is set to become effective on March 17, 2025, and operators are required to complete any necessary corrective actions within 48 months of that date.
The new Airworthiness Directives highlight the ongoing commitment by Transport Canada to ensure that aircraft operating in Canadian airspace meet rigorous safety standards. By addressing both the fastener installation issue and the overhead compartment tie rod engagement, the directives aim to prevent structural failures that could lead to significant operational and safety challenges. Airlines are urged to review the ADs promptly and schedule the necessary inspections and repairs to avoid potential disruptions in service and to maintain the highest level of safety for passengers and crew.
A number of prominent carriers are affected by these directives, including airBaltic, Delta Air Lines, Swiss, Korean Air, Air Tanzania, Breeze Airways, Cyprus Airways, EgyptAir, Air Canada, Ibom Air, JetBlue Airways, Air Austral, Air France, Iraqi Airways, and ITA Airways. The comprehensive scope of these ADs is a reminder that even minor installation errors or component misalignments can have far-reaching impacts on the safety and reliability of modern aircraft. As airlines work to implement the required corrective measures, the directives also serve as a call to action for continuous monitoring and quality control in aircraft assembly and maintenance processes. With global aviation standards under constant review, the measures taken by Transport Canada are expected to reinforce safety protocols not only in Canada but also among international carriers operating A220 aircraft. The directives are a crucial part of efforts to maintain robust safety margins and ensure the dependable performance of modern, technologically advanced aircraft in today’s competitive aviation environment.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com